Elkhart asked to play it safe

County has no confirmed cases yet, officials say.

County has no confirmed cases yet, officials say.

April 30, 2009|By TOM MOOR Tribune Staff Writer

ELKHART -- Although nobody has been tested in Elkhart County for the swine flu, officials on Wednesday urged residents to take precautions to avoid contracting the virus. Authorities are asking people to stay at home from school and work if they're sick, and encouraging employers to be sympathetic to their employees' needs, considering today's economic climate might compel people to go to work even when sick. Residents should exercise caution if they've come down with symptoms of the swine flu -- now called Influenza A (H1N1) North American/Human -- or have been around someone who has recently traveled to a highly affected area. "Cover your mouth when coughing and wash hands," said Dr. Aixsa Perez, of the Elkhart County Health Department. "If you're sick, stay at home. This is the time to be selfish. By staying at home, you're protecting yourself and others." Perez said if you think you have the virus, contact a doctor first before going to the emergency room. She said the health department is mailing information on the virus to area physicians and making suggestions. Perez downplayed the possibility that Elkhart County could be at a heightened state of risk because of a large Hispanic population, saying: "People are not more prone to it because of their ethnicity, but if they've traveled or been around someone that has traveled with the symptoms." She added people should not panic and that the flu does not appear as deadly as first thought. John Hutchings, director of student services with the Elkhart Community School Corp., said he was meeting with principals Wednesday and "telling parents we are being vigilant." Hutchings said letters were sent home to parents this week urging them to keep their children at home if they're sick. School nurses will be contacted today, Hutchings said. Both Perez and Jennifer Tobey, director of the Elkhart County Emergency Management, said plans are in place if a pandemic hits the area. Staff writer Tom Moor: tmoor@sbtinfo.com (574) 247-7756